in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
April 23, 2025
Photo: Candidates left to right, Anne Marie Watson, Liberal (LPC); Alex Ruff, https://www.conservative.ca/; Karen Cox Chair of South Grey Chamber at the podium; Natasha Akiwenzie, Green Party; Ann Gillies, United Party of Canada (UP); Christopher Neudorf, New Democratic Party (NDP); (not in attendance) Pavel Smolko, People’s Party (PPC).
BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF —South Grey Chamber of Commerce hosted the all Candidates meeting in Durham on April 22nd. Karen Cox, chair of the Chamber moderated the meeting.
Advanced polls are closed but election day is April 28 and Cox encouraged everyone to vote.
Each of the 5 attending Candidates had the opportunity to introduce themselves.
Chris Neudorf, NDP
Ann Gillies, United Party of Canada
Natasha Akiwenzie, Green Party of Canada
Alex Ruff, Conservative Party
Ann Marie Watson, Liberal
On trade barriers in Canada
Candidates agreed that they would work to remove inter-trade barriers in Canada and would push for standardized regulations across Canada.
Gillies suggested that there should be a Centralized online platform for trade between provinces.
Akiwenzie stated that knowledge and skills should be shared across provinces.
Ruff told the audience that the schools would get increased tax revenue, and there would be support for apprenticeships.
Watson said that Liberals would have Free Trade in Canada by Canada Day.
Neudorf said that we need to take down interventional trade barriers and establish Canadian free trade, but at the same time, I think we need to be cautious of moving to recklessly.
On Housing
All candidates agreed that affordable housing was a priority
Neudorf stated that the NDP commit 16 billion for home building, by 2035 20% of all homes in every community in Canada as affordable non-market, not-for-profit homes.
Ruff said development charges would be lowered. Eliminate HST on first time buyers on homes under 1.3 million
Watson said development charges would be cut in half.
Eliminate HST on new homes for new home buyers under 1 million
Gillies suggested landowners and local builders through tax relief and low interest loans to develop affordable housing on unused and underutilized land, not farmland.
On Healthcare
Candidates agreed that recognizing foreign health care workers qualifications is a priority. Qualifications across Canada should be recognized. Better mental health care is needed as are more doctors. Rural Hospitals should not be closed.
Gillies suggested invest in naturopathy and recognizing viable alternative medicine
Neudorf said to stop creeping privatization of healthcare
All candidates present agreed that tourism is important.
Watson said, "Our area ranks tourism as number one in revenue generating activities, followed closely by agriculture."
Neudorf said that young people can’t afford to travel and he would like to see more of Canada.
Gillies, stated "It’s a privilege to live in Bruce Grey Owen Sound. It's a privilege. And our local economy is significantly supported by tourism. Our area is a natural wonderland, so let's enjoy it."
Akiwenzie said that we have the mighty Saugeen here and magnificent forested areas. Training tourism staff is important.
Ruff said that federal tourism programs are essential to keep tourism across our country especially the rural communities.
On Transportation
Neudorf said, "We're prepared to invest billions of dollars, infrastructural improvements, building roads, bridges, dikes, everything we need to keep the transport moving.
Gillies said she will fight for dedicated rural infrastructure funding money set aside specifically for our roads and bridges, not just what's left.
Akiwenzie said that we need more public transit like the bus that runs from Owen Sound to Guelph twice a day
Ruff suggested the Conservative party will, allocate a portion of the federal retail gas, gasoline taxes to the provinces and territories to fund infrastructure.
Watson said Provincial and territorial governments are primarily responsible for planning, building, and maintaining their road networks. The federal government provides financial assistance for designated highways and specific projects.
At the end of the allotted time candidates summed up their comments and asked for our votes.
Cox thanked the public for attending, the volunteers, chamber members who helped and West Grey Police. She encouraged attendees to mingle with friends and that candidates would be available for individual questions.
Recording of the debate, courtesy of In Grey Highlands this week.
https://www.ingreyhighlandsthisweek.ca/federal-election-debate-2025/
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